Thank you, Ben

Published on 30 June 2023

Ben Wishart began working at the then City of Happy Valley on 15 October 1990.

Earlier that year, the VFL became the AFL, Nelson Mandela was freed from Victor Verster Prison after 27 years behind bars, and the B­-52’s “Love Shack” spent six weeks atop the Australian singles chart.

In the 33 years since, the world has changed immeasurably (including the amalgamation that formed the City of Onkaparinga), but at least one thing has remained constant—Ben’s friendly and chipper presence at the council’s offices and sites as he goes about his work.

“Ben’s been a ground breaker all his life,” said Ben’s mum, Jill, on the eve of Ben’s retirement this week.

“He was born at a time when people who had disabilities were strongly recommended to live in institutions. It was new thinking that they should live in community, but the community wasn’t prepared for it.

“Institutional care was never a consideration for us, and so Ben has had a full life in community. Every time he’s wanted to do something, it has been—oh, here’s another barrier, but he’s broken all the others.”

Ben’s work at the City of Happy Valley came after he left high school and was looking for the next challenge.

With the help of employment support agency, Barkuma, and disability advocate Professor Richard Bruggeman (2021 SA Senior Australian of the Year)—who was instrumental in sourcing funding support—Ben began work as a cleaner at council.

“I knew it wasn’t going to work, and it didn’t, because he hates cleaning,” laughed Jill.

“But the team was given admin jobs to do in the office to fill in time between the next cleaning job, and it was noticed by some employees that Ben was very good at them.”

Ben was offered voluntary work in the admin team, which soon turned into paid employment and the end of his cleaning career.

In the decades since, he has worked in almost every part of the council, from preparing dog registration tags for mailing, to filing accounts in alphabetical order; and from the watering and weeding of plants in council’s nursery, to the restocking of café supplies—all of it done with a cheerful smile and a greeting.

Even more incredibly, Ben has also volunteered for council—including at the Hub Library and community buses—for more than 30 years too.

Asked what his work has meant to Ben, Jill said it has given him a sense of self-worth and an ordinary place in community.

“Just leading a typical life like everybody else does… that’s why Ben’s position has been extraordinary,” she said.

“Extraordinary and unprecedented because no other person like Ben had been given the opportunity that Ben was given by the council.

“I’m proud because Ben’s had to put in a mighty effort, but I’m also absolutely thankful to the council for giving him the opportunity and a chance like everyone else. It has been a real team effort.

“Ben’s opened up a lot of people’s thinking and understanding around intellectual disability, and so the wider community has benefited from Ben’s presence at the council.”

City of Onkaparinga Acting CEO Julia Grant reinforced the benefits Ben has brought to the organisation, as she presented him with his 33 years of service certificate during his retirement celebration , following his final shift on Thursday.

“While Ben has provided all these services to us, he’s also brought something that’s difficult to put a dollar figure on, and that’s around culture, caring for people, and about becoming a teacher for everyone you work with, Ben,” she told him in front of his friends, colleagues, and family.

“You teach all of us around how to approach work with a sense of happiness, a sense of determination, not judging anyone, having a positive frame of mind, and bringing something that makes our work environment so much richer for having you here. And we’re going to miss that, but we’re extremely proud of you and your work.”

Barkuma Job Coordinator, Micah Reckwell, told Ben his contribution had been unique, and that he’d left a legacy of professionalism.

“There’s that saying that a person can light up a room, and that’s true when it comes to you, Ben,” he said.

“When you walk into the office, everyone’s heads are down typing away on their computers, but as soon as you enter the room all I hear is, ‘Hi, Ben!’ And I see a big smile on their face.

“That’s what sets you apart from anyone else I’ve ever met. That’s a real tribute to the person you are.”

Ben won’t be going quietly into retirement. He has found it harder and harder to squeeze in work around his packed weekly schedule in recent years. He goes to the gym, rides his bike, and spends hours in his study drawing, often focusing on muscle cars.

“There’ll be more of all that, but there’ll also be opportunities to try other things as well,” says mum, Jill.

“It opens up the world, as it does for everyone in retirement.”

Aside from the certificate, hugs, handshakes and cake, Ben was presented with a final gift during his retirement celebration—a huge neon light-up sign of his favourite muscle car, a Torana SLR 5000.

“Thanks for coming down,” he told the crowd, before he turned on its lights.